At last, the move to Arpisson.

At last, the move to Arpisson after a month of building anticipation!
I have to say it was well worth the wait and truly a beautiful experience I will never forget. We started preparing the night before packing up food, bedding, cheese materials and equipment, personal belongings and animals to be taken up by the helicopter the next morning. The cows and goats were to be taken up by foot via the trail, leaving eight chickens and six chicks, one cat and her four kittens, ten geese and eight calves (two of the biggest were to go up with the cows) to be taken up by helicopter as well.

The big day began as usual, first milking the goats and then cows. After the cows had been milked six of us led them up to the beginning of the trail, from there I was the lucky one chosen to scramble back and forth and yell like a crazy women in order to keep the cows on the path heading in the correct direction. I have to admit I was a bit terrified at first to be left alone and held responsible for the transportation of 34 cows and two calves, a handful of which are the most stubborn creatures alive, but in the end I was really happy to have gotten to experience this.

By the time we (the cows and I) reached the last hill to Arpisson the cows were practically running, knowing exactly where they were and completely content to be at their summer home. And amazingly, minus the few stubborn cows and calves (some of which I literally pushed up the trail), the rest went directly to Arpisson completely on their own.

I was at Arpisson no longer than an hour before I heard the distant sound of the helicopter arriving with the first load of food and equipment and Atillio with three WWOOFers (Maya, Elli and Donato). About six trips were made by the helicopter from the lower farm to Arpisson, taking an average of four to five minutes one way. My favorite was the load of eight calves flying through the air with legs dangling in all directions with a box of ten geese strapped to the top. Needless to say, they were all happy to be on solid ground again. What a site to be seen!

About an hour after the final load had been dropped off the first goat was seen crossing over the finally hill in sight of Arpisson along with the rest of the WWOOF gang and Gabriela. At last we had made it to our new home!

Our daily regime resumed pretty much as normal with a few tweaks. After milking in the morning, a handful of us go down to the lower farm to harvest hay and return in the evening for milking and dinner. Those that remain at Arpisson make cheese, clean the dairy and the stall, prepare for the next milking, wash and salt cheese, bring in the cows and goats at night and other misc jobs. Remaining at Arpisson definitely makes for a more relaxing day, but harvesting hay is very satisfying.

Days that we remain at Arpisson we try to take advantage of and go for short hikes after lunch as well as when we have days off! More to come on my explorations of the Arpisson valley, as well as Gran Patadiso!!

As for the future, as of now and my plans are to continue to stay here at Arpisson.  Of course I'll keep you all updated on any moves or  of plans (as much as possible!)  I'm missing you all very much and think of you daily. I hope everyone is in good health and spirits! Live to you all from Arpisson,

Car